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Media Key To Combating Health Misinformation, Experts Declare At HEWAN, NIMR , Roche Workshop

By Winifred Bosa

In an era where misinformation on health issues spreads rapidly and widely, health experts have raised concern over the growing infodemic—the overwhelming wave of misleading or false health information that often confuses and endangers the public.

Recognizing the media’s pivotal role in bridging this information gap, journalists and media professionals have been identified as key catalysts in promoting factual, insightful, and balanced health reporting to help Nigerians make informed decisions about their well-being.

This formed the central focus of discussions at a two-day capacity-building workshop organized by the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and Roche.

The workshop , themed : “Elevating Science and Health Journalism”, brought together journalists, health experts, and communication professionals to explore strategies for strengthening health and science journalism in Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, Professor John Obafunwa, the Director-General of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), represented by the Director of Research NIMR, Professor Oliver Ezechi,   emphasized the need for collective commitment to improving the quality, integrity, and public value of health journalism in Nigeria.

 Obafunwa described the gathering as a reflection of shared dedication to strengthening the profession.

He noted that the values of integrity and accuracy in health reporting have been central to his career and should continue to guide media professionals in the years ahead.

“Today’s convergence comes at a watershed moment for health journalism in Nigeria,” he said.

“We live in an era of rapid scientific advancement and expanding health knowledge, yet we continue to face persistent challenges — from infectious diseases that demand future surveillance to the growing burden of non-communicable conditions requiring sustained lifestyle, policy, and clinical responses.”

The NIMR chief stressed the importance of ensuring that Nigerians have continued access to trustworthy health and scientific insights capable of informing personal decisions, guiding policy development, and strengthening the nation’s health systems.

According to him, journalists play a vital role in building public trust, reducing misinformation, and making complex scientific issues understandable to the public.

“Through enforcing trust, reducing uncertainty where possible, and explaining complexities in accessible terms, we can empower citizens to make informed choices that improve their lives and communities,” he said.

“Leadership in health is not the sole responsibility of any single organization or individual,” Obafunwa added. “It is a collaborative venture anchored on shared vision, mutual trust, and sustained cooperation. Our strength lies in enduring partnerships among media houses, research institutions, health agencies, professional associations, and civil society organizations.”

Delivering the keynote lecture at the workshop on the topic, “Why Health and Science Journalism Matters More Than Ever In Nigeria ” , Professor Oliver Ezechi underscored the critical role of the media as a public health tool, stressing that access to accurate information can save lives.

“Access to accurate information saves lives,” he said. “When journalists provide clear and verified reports, they enable people to make informed choices about vaccines, medications, and preventive practices. Investigative health journalism also exposes gaps in service delivery, driving accountability and prompting corrective actions.”

Ezechi observed that the growing challenges of infodemics, climate-related health threats, and complex scientific innovations make it imperative for journalists to stay informed and responsible in their reporting.

“In moments of crisis—whether during outbreaks, heat waves, or mental health emergencies—journalists play a vital role in translating complex data into practical, timely information that communities can act upon,” he stated. “Accurate health reporting informs decisions, protects vulnerable populations, and advances national progress.”

 

Urging media professionals to renew their commitment to accuracy, context, and public service, he emphasized that credible journalism remains essential to safeguarding public health and strengthening Nigeria’s development agenda.

In her welcome address at the occasion, President of the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN), Mrs. Vivian Ihechu, called on journalists to deepen their commitment to accurate and impactful health reporting, stressing that quality journalism plays a vital role in saving lives and shaping better public health outcomes.

She made the call during a workshop organized by HEWAN in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and Roche, held in commemoration of the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The theme of the event was “Elevating Science and Health Journalism.”

Ihechu said the workshop was designed to build the capacity of health journalists in Nigeria to effectively translate scientific data into information the public can understand and act upon.

“Journalism is not just about reporting facts; it’s about saving lives,” she stated. “In a country grappling with complex public health challenges, your expertise in translating scientific data into actionable public information is invaluable.”

She noted that the training, supported by NIMR and Roche, would equip journalists with advanced tools to cover issues such as disease outbreaks, policy changes, and medical innovations with accuracy and depth.

Ihechu emphasized that the event also aligns with the global fight against breast cancer, highlighting the need for early detection, equitable access to screening and treatment, and the dispelling of harmful myths that hinder timely intervention.

“October serves as a critical reminder that breast cancer remains a devastating threat to our mothers, sisters, and daughters,” she said. “As journalists, we must go beyond the statistics to tell the stories that inspire action and save lives.”

She expressed appreciation to NIMR and Roche for their unwavering support and partnership, noting that their collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to improving public health through informed reporting.

Winifred Bosa by — October 24, 2025 in Health
WHO Raises Alarm Over Tobacco Industry’s Attempt To Weaken Anti-Smoking Policies

By Winifred Bosa

The Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is alerting governments and the public that the tobacco industry is intensifying efforts to interfere with the work of the Conference of the Parties (COP), the treaty’s decision-making body, to weaken global tobacco control measures.

As was contained in a press release by WHO , the WHO FCTC is the first treaty negotiated under the auspices of WHO and one of the most widely and rapidly embraced United Nations treaties in history. A total of 183 Parties have joined the Convention, which entered into force 20 years ago.

The Eleventh session of the COP, which will be held  from 17-22 November in Geneva, Switzerland, will bring together Parties to the Convention to take the decisions necessary to work towards achieving the objectives of the WHO FCTC, including the discussion of measures to prevent nicotine addiction, and for the protection of the environment and human health, among others.

The Meeting of the Parties (MOP), which will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from 24-26 November, serves as the governing body of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products—an international treaty that entered into force in 2018 and has 71 Parties. At the MOP, Parties will consider a range of measures aimed at shaping the future of the Protocol and its role in eliminating illicit trade in tobacco products.

“With strategies varying from lobbying to outright attempts to manipulate delegations, the tobacco industry’s tactics are a cause for serious concern,” said Andrew Black, Acting Head of the Secretariat of the WHO FCTC.

“This is not just lobbying; it is a deliberate strategy to try to derail consensus and weaken measures to further the treaty’s implementation. Tobacco industry interference is one of the biggest constraints and barriers to the implementation of the Convention. The Secretariat strongly urges Parties, civil society and other stakeholders working to support tobacco control to remain vigilant against the industry’s tactics and misinformation.  Governments have obligations under the WHO FCTC to fully implement Article 5.3, requiring the protection of public health policies from the commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry.”

Evidence from independent civil society actors, including those that are observers to the Conference of the Parties, shows the industry’s interference includes:

Political capture: Attempting to place sympathetic actors in national delegations or influence their selection to sway negotiations.

Front groups and “independent” voices: Industry-funded organisations posing as trade, science, or consumer groups to lobby delegations.

Co-opting science: Sponsoring or promoting misleading research to cast doubt on proven tobacco control measures.

Economic narratives: Pressuring finance and trade ministries with misleading claims about jobs, farming, and tax revenues.

Access infiltration: Attempting to gain observer status or participate in COP-related events to influence discussions.

These tactics mirror those documented in the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index, which reports on tobacco industry interference globally.

The WHO FCTC Secretariat urges all Parties to:

Fully implement Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC and its Guidelines for implementation, covering all branches of government from tobacco industry influence.

Protect COP from the commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in line with Objective 3.1.3 of the Global Strategy to Accelerate Tobacco Control: Advancing sustainable development through the implementation of the WHO FCTC 2019-2030, including during the preparation of country delegations.

Ensure their COP and MOP delegations do not include tobacco industry or tobacco industry-affiliated persons.

Reject any industry-linked funding or partnerships, including for COP and MOP activities or national delegations.

Educate non-health ministries on industry tactics and Article 5.3 obligations.

Use available monitoring tools like the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index to detect interference.

Online Poster by — October 23, 2025 in Health
Roche Collaborates With Health Writers To Boost Breast Cancer Awareness

By Winifred Bosa
Roche Nigeria has partnered with Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria ( HEWAN ) to boost breast cancer education and media reporting in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month .
To commemorate this , a strategic capacity-building workshop for health journalists was held at the Cancer Centre, Nigerian Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Lagos .
The workshop was designed to equip journalists with the necessary tools to accurately inform the Nigerian public about the realities of breast cancer and the available care initiatives.
Key sessions at the workshop included:
1. An expert overview of breast cancer, presented by Dr. Samuel Otene, a Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist and State Chairman, Nigerian Cancer Society, Benue Chapter.
2. A presentation on the Presidential Directive for Mandatory Health Insurance and its implications for transforming healthcare in Nigeria by Dr Amade-Agada, GM Standards & Quality Assurance, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
3. . A detailed briefing on the Africa Breast Cancer Ambition (ABCA), an ongoing mission by Roche and its partners to improve breast cancer care outcomes.
Pharm. Gilbert Ogbewele, Marketing and Business Support Lead representing the General Manager Dr. Ladi Hameed, addressed the journalists highlighting their essential role. “Roche is proud to partner with HEWAN, a truly critical stakeholder entrusted with preserving public interest. Your role in educating the Nigerian public about the scourge of breast cancer is invaluable,” Ogbewele stated.
 “Crucially, you offer hope by arming our citizens with information about the available policies and breast cancer care initiatives that are functional in Nigeria today.”
The workshop aims to leverage the media’s reach to drive increased awareness, encourage early detection, and support the strengthening of Nigeria’s healthcare system for improved cancer care and survival. Mr. Ogbewele also noted that journalists are critical in supporting the government’s drive toward universal health coverage.
This initiative is part of Roche’s bold Africa Breast Cancer Ambition (ABCA), a mission dedicated to rewriting the story of breast cancer in Nigeria. Roche invited the media to join the quest to make a real difference in the essential fight against breast cancer.
Winifred Bosa by — October 22, 2025 in Health
Clinical Trial : NAFDAC , NNMDA Chart Path For Safe, Effective Nigerian Herbal Medicines

By Winifred Bosa
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is collaborating with the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) to develop scientifically proven, safe and effective herbal medicines that meet global standards through clinical trials.
According to a press release by Sayo Akintola , Resident Media Consultant, NAFDAC , the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who dropped the hint, disclosed that Nigerian herbal medicine practitioners have the capacity to formulate safe and effective indigenous natural remedies that meet international standards.
NAFDAC has two types of approval for herbal medicines. The first type is a listing (L) approval, and it is granted after the product has been evaluated in our laboratory for toxicology safety tests with satisfactory results. Products in this approval category are listed for a period of two years, with a NAFDAC number bearing the letter L at the end.
The second approval type requires that clinical trials be conducted on the product to prove the efficacy of such a product. If this is done (in a well-designed protocol) with proven efficacy, a full approval with five-year validity is given.
The Director General identified cost as a major obstacle preventing herbal medicine practitioners from subjecting their products to clinical trials.
‘If you have an herbal medicine that you cannot prove scientifically the extent to which it works without causing harm to the user by providing some data on the efficacy, then it cannot be fully registered by NAFDAC.
Prof Adeyeye disclosed that NAFDAC has listed thousands of herbal medicines, with only a few products that have gone through clinical trial outcomes, But we cannot give 5-year approval without passing the efficacy test through a clinical trial.
We know that herbal medicine works. It is how to ascertain through clinical trial the level it can be used below which patients will be safe, and above which there could be damage to the liver, the kidney, and other internal organs, she explained, emphasising that the fact that its natural doesnt mean that its all safe. Thats where NAFDAC regulation and control come in.
The DG recalled that NAFDAC launched the Herbal Medicine Products Committee just before the COVID-19 Pandemic, which brought the practitioners, the Ministry of Health, NAFDAC and researchers together. This collaborative effort is very important because the practitioners know what their forefathers have been using, while the researchers know the science.
According to her, the Agency is looking for funding to assist the practitioners in the conduct of clinical trials, which is highly capital-intensive.
She pointed out that the Agency is working assiduously with the    NNMDA to ensure that clinical trial is conducted for the medicines that have met the regulatory requirements for listing.
She said that NAFDAC is working together with the NNMDA to use some selected listed herbal medicines to conduct clinical trials, so that we will prove beyond doubt that the medicine works well and those can now be registered fully.
Such medicines can be placed in a national formulary for herbal medicines, even if there are few.
She stated that NAFDAC has been educating the herbal medicine practitioners who intend to register products through stakeholders meetings.
The Agency even published a simple floor plan on the website as a guide for the practitioners.
She averred that it does not necessarily have to be a big place to use for production. She, however, maintained that the factory must be well-ordered to allow a good workflow so that there will not be contamination.
We are working with our practitioners. We are approving herbal medicines daily in NAFDAC, but we are working towards a phase where we will have a national formulary for those that have had clinical trials and have been proven to be very effective, she said.
The Director-General disclosed that before her appointment at NAFDAC, she was a professor in the United States. While at the university, she led a project that developed an anti-sickling polyherbal medicine.
This medicine, which NAFDAC had listed many years before her tenure, was tested in laboratory settings by incubating it with blood samples from children with sickle cell disease to prove its anti-sickling effect.
 Two research papers were published, confirming both the anti-sickling and anti-infective properties of the medicine.
We conducted a clinical trial approved by the Ethics Committee of Bowen University and the Institutional Review Board of my University in the U.S on the polyherbal in July before my assumption of office in NAFDAC in November 2017.
 She added that the trial showed that the product was efficacious but needed more data and funding for completion.
We are determined to assist our practitioners in the area of clinical trials and together with NNMDA we shall mobilise resources to get some herbal medicines fully registered after going through due process, she said.
Winifred Bosa by — October 12, 2025 in Health
New Recommendations To Help End Deaths From Postpartum Haemorrhage —Global Health Agencies

Through landmark new guidelines released , leading reproductive health agencies are calling for a major shift in how postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is prevented, diagnosed and treated.

According to a press release by WHO ,the recommendations highlight the urgent need for earlier detection and faster intervention — steps that could save the lives of tens of thousands of women each year.

Defined as excessive bleeding after childbirth, PPH affects millions of women annually and causes nearly 45 000 deaths, making it one of the leading causes of maternal mortality globally. Even when not fatal, it can lead to lifelong physical and mental health impacts, from major organ damage to hysterectomies, anxiety and trauma.

“Postpartum haemorrhage is the most dangerous childbirth complication since it can escalate with such alarming speed. While it is not always predictable, deaths are preventable with the right care,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Care. “These guidelines are designed to maximize impact where the burden is highest and resources are most limited – helping ensure more women survive childbirth and can return home safely to their families.”

New diagnostic criteria for rapid action

Published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), the guidelines introduce new objective diagnostic criteria for detecting PPH, based on the largest study on the topic to date – also published today in The Lancet.

Many PPH cases occur without identifiable risk factors, meaning early detection and rapid response is critical. Yet in many settings, especially where healthcare resources and labour wards are overstretched, delays in treatment result in devastating consequences.

Typically, PPH has been diagnosed as a blood loss of 500 mL or more. Now, clinicians are also advised to act when the blood loss reaches 300 mL, and any abnormal vital signs have been observed. To diagnose PPH early, doctors and midwives are advised to monitor women closely after birth and use calibrated drapes – simple devices that collect and accurately quantify lost blood – so that they can act immediately when criteria are met.

The guidelines recommend the immediate deployment of the MOTIVE bundle of actions once PPH has been diagnosed. This includes:

Massage of the uterus;
Oxytocic drugs to stimulate contractions;
Tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce bleeding;
Intravenous fluids;
Vaginal and genital tract examination; and
Escalation of care if bleeding persists.
In rare cases where bleeding continues, the guidelines also recommend effective interventions such as surgery or blood transfusion to safely stabilize a woman’s condition until further treatment becomes available.

“Women affected by PPH need care that is fast, feasible, effective and drives progress towards eliminating PPH-related deaths,” said Professor Anne Beatrice Kihara, President of FIGO. “These guidelines take a proactive approach of readiness, recognition and response. They are designed to ensure real-world impact – empowering health workers to deliver the right care, at the right time, and in a wide range of contexts.”

Reducing risks through effective prevention

The guidelines emphasize the importance of good antenatal and postnatal care to mitigate critical risk factors such as anaemia, which is highly prevalent in low- and lower-middle income countries. Anaemia increases the likelihood of PPH and worsens outcomes if it occurs. Recommendations for anaemic mothers include daily oral iron and folate during pregnancy and intravenous iron transfusions when rapid correction is needed, including after PPH, or, if oral therapy fails.

The publication also discourages unsafe practices such as routine episiotomies while promoting preventive techniques like perineal massage in late pregnancy, so as to reduce the likelihood of trauma and severe bleeding after birth.

During the third stage of labour, the guidelines recommend administering a quality-assured uterotonic to support uterine contraction, preferably oxytocin or heat-stable carbetocin as an alternative. If intravenous options are not available and the cold chain is unreliable, misoprostol may be used as a last resort.

“Midwives know first-hand how quickly postpartum haemorrhage can escalate and cost lives,” said Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE, ICM’s Chief Midwife. “These guidelines are a game-changer. But to end preventable deaths from PPH, we need more than evidence and protocols. We call on governments, health systems, donors, and partners to step up, adopt these recommendations, adopt them quickly, and invest in midwives and maternal care so that postpartum haemorrhage becomes a tragedy of the past.”

The guidelines are accompanied by a suite of training and implementation resources, developed with partners including UNFPA. These tools consist of practical modules for frontline health workers, national-level guides for introducing new practices, and simulation-based training to strengthen emergency response.

These consolidated guidelines–the first to uniquely focus on PPH–are being launched at the 2025 FIGO World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. They are a crucial step in the implementation of the Global Roadmap for Combatting PPH between 2023 and 2030.

Online Poster by — October 7, 2025 in Health

The world is smoking less, but the tobacco epidemic is far from over. A new WHO global report shows the number of tobacco users has dropped from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024. Since 2010, the number of people using tobacco has dropped by 120 million – a 27% drop in relative terms. Yet, tobacco still hooks one in five adults worldwide, fuelling millions of preventable deaths every year.

“Millions of people are stopping, or not taking up, tobacco use thanks to tobacco control efforts by countries around the world,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “In response to this strong progress, the tobacco industry is fighting back with new nicotine products, aggressively targeting young people. Governments must act faster and stronger in implementing proven tobacco control policies.”

For the first time, WHO has estimated global e-cigarette use – and the numbers are alarming: more than 100 million people worldwide are now vaping. This includes:

Adults: at least 86 million users, mostly in high-income countries.
Adolescents: at least 15 million children (13–15 years) already using e-cigarettes. In countries with data, children are on average nine times more likely than adults to vape.
The tobacco industry is introducing an incessant chain of new products and technologies for its aim to market tobacco addiction with not just cigarettes but also e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, heated tobacco products among others, which all harm people’s health, and more worryingly the health of new generations, youth and adolescents.

“E-cigarettes are fuelling a new wave of nicotine addiction,” said Etienne Krug, WHO Director of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention Department. “They are marketed as harm reduction but, in reality, are hooking kids on nicotine earlier and risk undermining decades of progress.”

More women are quitting tobacco than men
While there has been a steady decline in tobacco use for both men and women across all age-groups during 2000–2024, women have been leading the charge to quit tobacco. They hit the global reduction target for 2025 five years early, reaching the 30% milestone back in 2020. Prevalence of tobacco use among women dropped from 11% in 2010 to just 6.6% in 2024, with the number of female tobacco users falling from 277 million in 2010 to 206 million in 2024.

By contrast, men are not expected to reach the goal until 2031. Today, more than four out of five tobacco users worldwide are men, with just under 1 billion men still using tobacco. While prevalence among men has fallen from 41.4% in 2010 to 32.5% in 2024, the pace of change is too slow.

Regional picture
South-East Asia: Once the world’s hotspot, prevalence among men nearly halved – from 70% in 2000 to 37% in 2024. The Region alone accounts for over half of the global decline.
Africa: Prevalence is the lowest of all regions at 9.5% in 2024, and the Region is on track to meet the 30% target. However, because of population growth, the absolute number of tobacco users continues to rise.
Americas: The Region has achieved a 36% relative reduction, with prevalence dropping to 14% in 2024, though some countries still lack sufficient data.
Europe: This is now the highest-prevalence Region globally, with 24.1% of adults using tobacco in 2024, with women in Europe having the highest global prevalence at 17.4%.
Eastern Mediterranean: Prevalence is 18%, with tobacco use continuing to rise in some countries.
Western Pacific: With 22.9% of adults using tobacco in 2024, down from 25.8% in 2010, the progress in this Region is the slowest. While women have low prevalence at 2.5%, men have the highest prevalence of all regions at 43.3%.
Actions needed
WHO is urging governments everywhere to step up tobacco control. This means fully implementing and enforcing the MPOWER package and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, closing loopholes that allow the tobacco and nicotine industries to target children, and regulating new nicotine products like e-cigarettes. It also means raising tobacco taxes, banning advertising, and expanding cessation services so that millions more people can quit.

“Nearly 20% of adults people still use tobacco and nicotine products. We cannot let up now,” said Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Care. “The world has made gains, but stronger, faster action is the only way to beat the tobacco epidemic.”

Source: WHO

Online Poster by — October 7, 2025 in Health
SON To Hold 2025 World Standard Day to support Sustainable Development Goals

...Walk for Standards holds October 11th

By Fidelia Okafor 

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, would join the rest of the world to celebrate the 2025 World Standards day with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals,SDG.

Announcing SON’s participation in a statement, the organisation’s Director, Corporate Affairs –Mrs Talatu Ethan –stated that the event would be commemorated as usual with a “Walk For Standards” on Saturday, 11th October.

The day is celebrated globally to commemorate the collaborative efforts of thousands of experts worldwide who developed voluntary technical agreements known as international standards.

Last year’s edition was a huge success with the day used to draw necessary attention to Artificial Intelligence.

The Worlds Standards Day has therefore become a veritable platform which stakeholders in different sectors of the economy look forward to for enlightenment, not only on updates on standardization issues, but also on key global issues that are impacting businesses and living.

Giving details of the event, Ethan stated; “The Theme of the 2025 Worlds Standards Day is: Shared Vision For a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 17: Partnership For the Goals. The great occasion will be marked with a “Walk For Standards” to raise awareness on the critical role of Standards in everyday life and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

“This will be on Saturday, 11th October, 2025, at 8.00am and participants would converge at SON’s Ogba office, from where we will be walking through Adeniyi Jones to Aromire street and then to Allen Avenue Junction, and from there to Ikeja bridge by Awolowo House Roundabout, to the popular Computer village, to Oba Akran avenue, back to SON’s Ogba office.”

The Director said the Director General of SON –Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke – would be delighted to have as many Nigerians as possible, plus foreigners living in the country, to participate in the programme.

“Indeed, everyone is invited. Participation is free and we will be pleased to have people trooping in for the walk as a demonstration of their commitment to Standards and Sustainability, just as the event can be maximized for exercise, networking and possible business opportunities”, Ethan also stated.

Online Poster by — October 6, 2025 in Health
Abia State, EU, UNICEF , ILO Collaborate To Bolster Social Protection For Vulnerable Families

L-R: Vanessa Phala, Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS; Judith Leveillee, Chief of Field Services, UNICEF Nigeria; H.E. Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS; His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, Executive Governor of Abia State; Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, Abia State Honourable Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection; and Mr Kingsley Anosike, Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning Abia State, at the launch of the European Union (EU)-funded project, Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), by Abia State Government in collaboration with UNICEF, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and other partners in Umuahia.

 

The Government of Abia State has launched the European Union (EU)-funded project, Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI), in collaboration with UNICEF, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and other partners.
Despite its importance, social protection coverage in Nigeria remains limited. According to the International Labour Organization 2024 World Social Protection report, only 14.8 per cent of Nigerians currently have access to effective social protection.
To close this gap, the project, which is also being implemented in Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto States, is designed to strengthen inclusive, shock-responsive, and sustainable social protection systems.
 It aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Eight-Point Agenda, aiming to reduce poverty, protect the most vulnerable, and promote resilient livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, Executive Governor of Abia State, reaffirmed the State’s commitment: “I am also glad that the EU, ILO and UNICEF will be partnering with the State Government towards the successful delivery of the SUSI Project. We are encouraged to think of our children and the world we want to bequeath to them. Individually and collectively, we are called to remember that every decision counts, that we do not own anything but are merely custodians who would one day be required to look back, either in regret or fulfilment.”
H.E. Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, underlined the import of the EU’s support: “Social protection is central to building equitable societies. This partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly in states like Abia, by strengthening systems that can provide support when it is needed most.”
Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, highlighted the transformative impact of inclusive systems:
“Social protection is not just a safety net, it is a springboard for inclusive development. Through this project, we aim to ensure that every child and family, particularly the most vulnerable, is protected from the shocks that can derail their well-being and opportunities for a better future.”
Vanessa Phala, Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS stressed the importance of long-term sustainability: “A well-designed and inclusive social protection system is fundamental to decent work, economic stability, and social cohesion. With this project, we are working together to ensure that social protection becomes a reality for more Nigerians.”
The implementation of the SUSI project will support development of social protection policy, expansion of the social register, capacity building, strengthening the database system and make it interoperable with other related databases, and ensuring that social protection programmes are well budgeted for, at both federal and state levels.
Winifred Bosa by — September 28, 2025 in Health
Cholera Vaccination Campaign Kicks Off In Darfur, Aiming To Protect 1.8 Million People

By Winifred Bosa

 A cholera vaccination campaign kicked off on 21 September 2025 in Nyala Ganoub, Nyala Shemal and Biliel localities of South Darfur and on 22 September in Abu Jabra and Ad Daein localities, marking the start of a campaign that aims to reach 1.86 million people aged one year and older with oral cholera vaccines in 6 localities of the Darfur states in response to the ongoing cholera outbreak.

According to a press release by WHO , Plans are underway to launch the campaign in Tawila locality of North Darfur before the end of the month.

The campaign comes at a critical time, as cholera cases in Darfur continue to rise at an alarming rate and the ongoing conflict and lack of basic services  make it increasingly difficult to support essential health services and deliver lifesaving medical supplies, including vaccines, nutrition kits and emergency supplies to most localities of the Darfur states, leading to an increased burden of disease, malnutrition and further spread of infectious diseases such as cholera.

“WHO teams in Darfur are working tirelessly with health partners to provide the necessary technical and operational support for a successful implementation of the campaign to protect the vulnerable population in the affected localities from the further spread of cholera,” says World Health Organization (WHO) Representative and Head of Mission in Sudan Dr Shible Sahbani. “The people in Darfur, and the rest of Sudan, must be protected from disease and suffering, and we are here to do exactly that as we have been doing so for decades.”

A total of 1.86 million doses of vaccines were mobilized through cross-border and crossline operations for the vaccination campaign. Extensive efforts were made by WHO, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Sudan’s Ministry of Health to deliver the oral cholera vaccines to the targeted localities in the Darfur States, overcoming numerous access and transport challenges.

Since 29 May 2025, when the first cholera case was reported from South Darfur, the disease has spread to 36 localities across all 5 Darfur states with reports of 12 739 cases and 358 deaths. Since July 2024, close to 113 629 cases and 3029 deaths have been reported across Sudan’s 18 states, making it the longest recorded cholera outbreak in the country’s history.

Cholera, an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, is a global threat to public health and a major indicator of inequity and lack of social development. The 2-year conflict in Sudan has led to mass displacement, disrupted basic services and caused a severe lack of access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation (WaSH) services, creating a conducive environment for water-borne diseases such as cholera to spread. The rainy season poses an additional risk with flooding and contamination of water points contributing to the increase in cases.

Vaccines, together with a comprehensive and multisectoral response that includes disease surveillance, detection and timely reporting; rapid access to treatment of cases; improved access to clean water and sanitation and risk communication and community engagement will help interrupt transmission and contain the cholera outbreak.

As part of its coordination and operational support to the campaign, WHO has supported campaign preparations and implementation, including transport of vaccines between localities, capacity-building and deployment of volunteer vaccinators, and supportive supervision and monitoring of the campaign, building on its decades-long presence in the Darfurs.

“In line with its technical mandate, WHO supported the training of trainers and cascaded training sessions down to the level of vaccinators. Our teams will continue to work alongside the vaccination team to ensure the quality of the campaign,” said Dr Sahbani, describing WHO’s support to the campaign.

The campaign, launched by Sudan’s Ministry of Health with WHO and UNICEF, will run for 10 days, targeting 97% of the population in the 6 localities.

Vaccines were provided by the International Cooperating Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG), of which WHO is a member, together with UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), with financial support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Winifred Bosa by — September 27, 2025 in Health
Global Health Warning: Over 1 Billion People Endangered by Uncontrolled Hypertension

By Winifred Bosa

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its second Global hypertension report, showing that 1.4 billion people lived with hypertension in 2024, yet just over one in five have it under control either through medication or addressing modifiable health risks.

The new report – released at an event co-hosted by WHO, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Resolve to Save Lives during the 80th United Nations General Assembly – also reveals that only 28% of low-income countries report that all WHO-recommended hypertension medicines are generally available in pharmacies or primary care facilities.

Hypertension is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. It is both preventable and treatable – but without urgent action, millions of people will continue to die prematurely, and countries will face mounting economic losses. From 2011 to 2025, cardiovascular diseases–including hypertension–are projected to cost low- and middle-income countries approximately US$ 3.7 trillion, equivalent to around 2% of their combined GDP.

“Every hour, over 1 000 lives are lost to strokes and heart attacks from high blood pressure, and most of these deaths are preventable,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Countries have the tools to change this narrative. With political will, ongoing investment, and reforms to embed hypertension control in health services, we can save millions and ensure universal health coverage for all.”

“Uncontrolled high blood pressure claims more than 10 million lives every year, despite being both preventable and treatable. Countries that integrate hypertension care into universal health coverage and primary care are making real progress, but too many low- and middle-income countries are still left behind,” said Dr Kelly Henning, who leads the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Health Program. “Strong policies that raise awareness and expand access to treatment are critical to reducing cardiovascular disease and preventable deaths.”

Persistent barriers

Analysis of data from 195 countries and territories shows that 99 of them have national hypertension control rates below 20%. The majority of the affected people live in low- and middle-income countries, where health systems face resource constraints.

The report highlights major gaps in hypertension prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care. Key barriers include weak health promotion policies (on risk factors such as alcohol, tobacco use, physical inactivity, salt, and trans fats), limited access to validated blood pressure devices, lack of standardized treatment protocols and trained primary care teams, unreliable supply chains and costly medicines, inadequate financial protection for patients, and insufficient information systems to monitor trends.

Access to medicines: a cornerstone of progress

Blood pressure medication is one of the most cost-effective public health tools. Yet only 7 out of 25 (28%) of low-income countries report general availability of all WHO-recommended medicines, compared to 93% of high-income countries. The report explores the barriers and strategies for improving access to hypertension medication through better regulatory systems, pricing and reimbursement, procurement and supply chain management, and improved prescribing and dispensing of these medicines.

“Safe, effective, low-cost medicines to control blood pressure exist, but far too many people can’t get them,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President & CEO, Resolve to Save Lives. “Closing that gap will save lives — and save billions of dollars every year.”

Country-level progress

Despite barriers, progress is possible. Bangladesh, the Philippines, and South Korea have made significant progress by integrating hypertension care into universal health coverage (UHC), investing in primary care, and engaging communities:

Bangladesh increased hypertension control from 15% to 56% in some regions between 2019 and 2025 through embedding hypertension treatment services in its essential health service package and strengthening screening and follow-up care.
The Philippines has effectively incorporated the WHO’s HEARTS technical package into community-level services nationwide.
South Korea has integrated health reforms, including low costs for antihypertensive medications and limiting patient fees, which have resulted in a high rate of blood pressure control nationally: 59% in 2022.

WHO calls on all countries to embed hypertension control in UHC reforms. Implementing the measures recommended in the report could prevent millions of premature deaths and ease the massive social and economic toll of uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Online Poster by — September 24, 2025 in Health